MANITOWOC – Bill Censky has received a top honor from the Wisconsin Bankers Association for his excellence in banking, community service and civic involvement.
Censky was one of three to be inducted into the WBA’s Leaders in Banking Excellence on Aug. 16. Their plaques joined 24 others on the Leaders in Banking Excellence installation at the organization’s headquarters in Madison. Established in 2020, the wall profiles outstanding current and former banking leaders.
“We are delighted to congratulate Bill on being inducted into the Leaders in Banking Excellence,” said WBA President and CEO Rose Oswald Poeis in a news release.
“This designation reflects the highest standard of excellence — both in helping to shape our industry and in serving our Wisconsin communities.”
Censky began his banking career working with his father, Gerald Censky, who started the former Manitowoc County Bank in the 1960s.
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After that bank was sold, Censky transitioned to First Wisconsin/Firstar. He also played a pivotal role in founding Investors Community Bank in 1997.
As the CEO and chairman of the board, Censky guided Investors Community Bank to significant growth, reaching $1.5 billion in assets before the bank was sold to Nicolet National Bank in 2021 .
After transitioning out of his CEO job in about 2012, Censky remained on Investors Community Bank's board, helping it become a leading agricultural lender with more than $1.4 billion in total agricultural loans serviced.
He was instrumental in taking the bank public and trading on NASDAQ in 2015. Censky also served on organizing boards for two other banks.
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“Censky has been a tremendous mentor, known for his thoughtful and patient approach to decision-making,” according to the WBA news release. “His leadership and guidance impacted many throughout his career. He was not only dedicated to the success of ICB but also committed to giving back to the community.”
Censky volunteered with a number of organizations, including the American Red Cross, United Way, Holy Family Memorial Hospital, Roncalli High School, the Capitol Civic Centre, The Haven of Manitowoc County and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Manitowoc.
“Censky’s legacy in the banking industry and his community involvement reflect his deep commitment to excellence and service,” the news release said. “His contributions have left a lasting mark, demonstrating the power of thoughtful leadership and community engagement.”
The WBA 2024 Leaders in Banking Excellence also honored Gerald Jacobson of Northwestern Bank, Chippewa Falls and Thomas Pamperin of Premier Community Bank in Marion. Read full biographies of the inductees at www.wisbank.com/excellence2024 .
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Got a tip, comment or question for Streetwise Manitowoc? Contact reporter Patti Zarling at pzarling@gannett.com or call 920-606-2575. Follow her on X @PGPattiZarling and on Instagram @PGPatti.
This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: 'The highest standard of excellence': Manitowoc banking icon Bill Censky earns top Wisconsin Bankers Association honor
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